J&L Custom Countertops

Which Stone is Right for Me? (Marble, Granite or Quartz)

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 13:12:00 GMT

You are ready to remodel your kitchen or bathroom but there are so many choices right? Pinterest & Houzz are peppered with pictures of gorgeous kitchens with custom cabinets and granite countertops but the quartz countertops are just as beautiful. And then there is marble to consider as well.

So how do you choose? What’s the best countertop material out there today? What's the difference between marble, granite and quartz? We're here to answer your questions and help you pick the custom countertop for your home building or remodeling needs.

First things first, there is no wrong answer here. All of these choices are beautiful and will last you many years to come. It really comes down to personal preference. Here is a breakdown of the difference between each stone that will help you narrow down your choices.

Granite Countertops

Granite used for countertops is mined in granite quarries across the world. It is a 100% natural stone that comes from the earth. It is cut into slabs which are then cut and polished to produce granite countertops.

Granite countertops might be more affordable than you think. It's typically the most affordable of the three.

Granite is a very hard stone and can withstand high usage and high heats without damaging the stone. Granite is a porous stone and does require sealing. Without proper sealing, staining and discoloration can occur.

The color options for granite countertops are endless. No two granite slabs are exactly alike. Some color options are more patterned and consistent while others will have lots of movement, veins and colors throughout.

Marble Countertops

Marble, similar to Granite is a 100% natural stone mined from the earth. It is also imported from marble quarries around the world, cut into slabs then polished to create countertops.

Pricing on marble countertops is comparable to quartz and higher category granite slabs. As with any natural stone, price is determined by the characteristics of the stone. The more unique or rare the stone, the higher the price.

Marble is the softest of the three stones and therefore is not as often used in Kitchens. Marble is more prone to scratches and staining since it is softer but is still used in some kitchens, bathrooms and furniture pieces.

Marble is also a porous stone and does require sealing. It is also often seen in light colors which makes Marble the most susceptible to staining. Stone sealants have come a long way however, and they will protect your countertops when used properly.

Marble is a classic and timeless stone. It is often seen in bright white color that you don’t necessarily find in granite. It does however come in colors other than white. Marble’s distinct feature is the large, unpredictable veining throughout the stone.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a man-made product. It is made by combining various types of natural quartz with resin and coloring, the typical breakdown is approximately 93% quartz and 7% resin. While still considered a “Natural Stone” it is not made of 100% natural products.

As quartz countertops rise in popularity, they become more and more affordable with prices comparable to that of granite countertops. Typically though, you can expect quartz countertops to be slightly more expensive than granite.

Quartz is also very hard but it cannot withstand as high of temperatures as Granite. It is not recommended to ever set a hot pot or pan directly onto your Quartz surfaces. Doing so could burn or discolor your countertop.

Quartz is the only stone, out of the three, that does not require sealing. It is not porous therefore it is more resistant to staining making quartz a popular, maintenance-free countertop choice.

Since quartz is man-made, manufacturers continue to produce new color options. Typically, quartz countertops are consistent in pattern, appearing as if the countertop is one solid color of stone.

If you have any further questions, please contact J&L Custom Countertops by giving us a call or stopping by. Make a visit to our showroom to view our 13,000 sf. slab room to see granite, quartz, marble and quartzite countertop options for your home renovation or new construction build. We are Alabama's premiere custom countertop fabrication and installation provider. We serve clients in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the surrounding areas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:55:00 GMT

At J&L Custom Countertops, we understand that choosing the right countertops for your home can be an important decision. To help you make informed choices, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about custom countertops. Read on to find answers to some of the most common queries.

We hope these answers have helped address some of your questions about custom countertops. At J&L Custom Countertops, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and stunning countertops that elevate the beauty and functionality of your home. Contact us today to begin your countertop transformation!

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEVEL I & II GRANITE

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:46:00 GMT

Granite countertops are highly favored by homeowners in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, looking to enhance the elegance of their homes. With its luxurious appearance, exceptional resistance to chips and scratches, and remarkable heat and stain resistance, granite is a top choice for discerning individuals.

However, many homeowners may be unaware of the various types of granite materials available for their countertops. At J&L Custom Countertops, we offer two common types of granite: Level 1 and Level 2. Let's delve into the distinctions between these options.

Level 1 Granite: Entry-Level Elegance

Level 1 granite is an excellent choice for those seeking a simple, lower-cost option.

Despite its "lower-grade" classification, Level 1 granite delivers a high-quality finished product. Its design exudes simplicity and sophistication, while remaining affordable for homeowners on a budget.

Level 2 Granite: A Cut Above

For individuals desiring more color and variation in their granite countertops, Level 2 granite is an ideal choice. This granite typically offers a wider range of captivating patterns that homeowners appreciate.

Compared to Level 1, Level 2 granite slabs are thicker, measuring around 3/4 inch. This added thickness enhances durability, allowing them to withstand more wear and tear. Despite this increased resilience, Level 2 granite remains reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for homeowners who desire greater strength without exceeding their budget.

Discover the Perfect Granite with J&L Custom Countertops

If you're a homeowner in Central or West Alabama, seeking to upgrade your countertops with granite, J&L Custom Countertops is your go-to source. Granite is renowned for its durability and timeless beauty, making it an exceptional choice for your home.

Contact us today to explore our high-quality granite countertops and learn about our expert design services, quality fabrication and seamless installation process. Trust J&L Custom Countertops to elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your home with our exquisite granite countertops.

NATURAL STONE CARE

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:36:00 GMT

In order to keep new countertops in the same top quality they are installed in, we have a few recommendations on the care and maintenance. Each material possess unique characteristics and need to be cared for differently. The following information will provide you tips to clean and care for your new custom countertops.

Simple tips to preserve the life of every stone countertops:

Use coasters under all glasses, bottles, cans, etc.
Utilize trivets and mats when setting hot objects on your stone counter.
Blot spills with paper towels immediately and avoid wiping/spreading the spill.
Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange (acidic formulas) as cleaners.
Oil can stain any natural stone so avoid contact with your countertops.
Avoid scraping, as it could cause damage.

CARE FOR MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

Marble Countertops are heavy duty and durable, but are still porous surfaces. Clean surfaces with a sponge or soft cloth, mild dish soap and warm water. Use of a specifically formulated natural stone and granite cleaner is highly recommended (and can be purchased at J&L if requested). Avoid using excessive amounts of cleaner.

Every few months test to see if you need to seal your kitchen and bathroom countertops. To seal, apply a marble stone sealer to the surface in small sections and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour a few drops of water and check to see if the water forms little beads. If water beads, you are done! Keeping your countertop cleaned and polishing it every month should mean you only need to seal roughly every 3-6 months.

Never use acidic or harsh cleaners on your marble countertops. Acidic cleaners such as lemon juice, Windex, and vinegar are too abrasive and should not be used on marble countertop surfaces. Solid surface vanity tops and countertops should never be cleaned with hard pads or with utensils that scrape the marble countertop. Instead, use a mild, non-acidic cleaner.

CARE FOR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

For regular maintenance, clean surfaces with a sponge or soft cloth and warm, soapy water to clear any dirt or spills from the surface. Use of a specifically formulated natural stone and granite cleaner is highly recommended (and can be purchased at J&L if requested).

Sealing your granite countertops is an added precaution to avoid staining. Sealing does not make your countertop stain proof, but rather adds a layer of protection and makes the stone countertop stain resistant.

Every few months, test to see if you need to seal your countertops. To seal, apply a granite stone sealer to the clean countertop surface. Use a non-toxic sealer when applying sealer to food preparation areas. Clean in smaller sections and let sit for roughly 30 minutes. The final step is to pour a few drops of water on the surface after the wait to see if it forms little beads. If the water beads up, you are done! Keeping your countertops cleaned and polishing every month means you only need to seal it once or twice per year.

CARE FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Regular cleaning with a warm, wet soft towel. Use a mild detergent or mild dish soap. If there are any spills or sticky residue, clean as soon as they happen to avoid staining. For heavier and dried on spills, clean with a glass or surface cleaner. If you need to scrape dried on messes away, use plastic utensils only.

Never use bleach or harsh acidic cleaners and avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning.

Never use hydrofluoric acid on your countertops, as it attacks the minerals in the stone and can harm your countertop.

WE PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY MARBLE, SOAPSTONE, GRANITE, QUARTZ, AND SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS FOR YOUR HOME. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ANY QUESTIONS!